Syllabus#

MTH 121 Calculus and Its Applications 1#

LR Section J(10011)

Credit Hours: 4.0

Summer Session 2023 SUNY University at Buffalo Mathematics Department

Changes to the syllabus: This syllabus is subject to changes and amendments as needed. Changes will be announced via email and posted on this syllabus page.

Time Management Skills are essential in successfully completing this course. On average, expect to spend approximately 35+ hours per week on work for this class (lessons, assignments, studying, reading, etc.).

1. Overview#

1.1. Course Logistics#

Date/Time(s)

  • Scheduled Class Time: held every MTWR 8:00-10:30am ET

    • Preparation Time: 8-9am ET. Time reserved for you to complete the lecture videos.

    • Live Class Meeting: 9-10:30 am ET each Mon, Tues, Wed, and Thurs on Zoom.

  • Midterm Exams: Given during our regularly scheduled class time.

Delivery Mode: Online

Instructor: Michael Casper (mjcasper@buffalo.edu)

1.2 Course Description#

For students in social, biological, and management sciences. Limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic and exponential functions; applications; introduces integration.

Prerequisites:

  1. Score of 70/100 or better on both the Fundamentals and the Algebra portions of the Math Readiness Assessment, or a C or better in ULC148, MTH 115 and a D or better in MTH 131, or MTH 141 or a score of 3 on AP Calculus.

This is a Controlled Enrollment Course. If you need to repeat this course in the future (because you failed it, resigned from it, etc. at the first attempt) you may be forced to do it in a UB summer or winter session. Registering to repeat this course in a Fall or Spring semester may be difficult or impossible. For more information see the Repeat Policy in the UB Undergraduate Catalog.

UB Portfolio: If you are completing this course as part of your UB Curriculum requirements, please select an ‘artifact’ from this course that is representative of your learning and save it in a safe location with a clear title. Your final UB Curriculum requirement, UBC 399: UB Curriculum Capstone, will require you to submit these ‘artifacts’ as you process and reflect on your achievement and growth through the UB Curriculum. Artifacts include homework assignments, exams, research papers, projects, lab reports, presentations, and other coursework. For more information, see the UB Curriculum Capstone website

1.3. Required Materials#

Please let Prof. Casper know during the first day of class if you have any difficulty with this required material list.

Textbook: We will be covering Chapters 1-6 from Calculus and Its Applications by L. Goldstein, D. Schneider, D. Lay, and N. Asmar.

  • The 5th custom UB edition is the official version.

  • The 4th custom UB edition is also sufficient.

  • The standard 13th and 14th editions are also sufficient.

Blank Paper: You will need to bring blank, loose-leaf paper with you to every scheduled class time meeting.

Lecture Notes: You will need to print out and bring the lecture note packet with you to every scheduled class time meeting.

Computer: You will need to have a computer with internet access for the entirety of the course.

If you need a computer, UB Libraries might have some available for you to borrow for the semester, available through their UB Laptop Loan Program.

Smartphone: You will need this to submit in-class assignments and also for Zoom Exam Proctoring.

Software

Cost

Description

Comments

Course Website

free

Contains the syllabus and weekly information (where you are right now)

https://info.bluetangent.org

Zoom

free

Online meeting software

WeBWorK

free

Online homework system

See login instructions.

Office Lens (iOS) Android

free

Scan to PDF app for your smartphone

There are other apps available, but this one is recommended.

1.4. Learning Outcomes#

The learning outcomes covered are listed on the Learning Outcomes page of our course website.

2. Course Activities#

2.1. Calendar#

The course calendar is listed on the Weekly Calendar section of our course website. We summarize a few important dates below.

2.1.1. Important Assessment Dates#

  • Preparation tasks due before each lecture time

  • Participation activities will be due during each class time.

  • Homework assignments due every scheduled class day at 11:59pm ET.

  • Checkpoint Exams will be given during most class days.

  • Midterm Exam 1: Thursday, June 15th, during our scheduled lecture time.

  • Midterm Exam 2: Thursday, July 6th, during our scheduled lecture time.

2.1.2. Other Important Dates#

  • Last Day to Drop/Add: Thursday, June 1st

  • Last Day to Resign: Monday, June 26th

  • Last Day of Class: Thursday, July 6th

  • Final Grades Posted: Friday, July 14th

2.2. Lecture#

We will be using a “semi-flipped” classroom model. This essentially means that you will be responsible for completing a preparation lesson video and reading before each scheduled lecture time, and then we will be using class to complete various graded assessments (in-class assignments, checkpoint exams, etc) as well as some traditional direct instruction.

The motivation for using this approach is that you will be engaged in active learning activities while the professor is present. This way you can ask questions!

2.3. Recitations#

The recitation time will be a reserved block of time during which you complete the preparation videos for that day.

2.4. Office Hours#

Office hours will be conducted through our course UB Learns Q&A Help Forum. You can use this help forum to ask Prof. Casper any questions about the course.

3. Assessments#

Your final grade will be determined by your performance on the following categories: Learning Checks, Participation, and Midterm Exams.

3.1. Learning Checks (45%)#

Each learning outcome will directly be assessed by a Learning Check. In order to receive a Learning Check for a particular learning outcome you need to receive all of the following:

  • 95% or higher on the applicable Homework Set

  • M (Meets Expectations) on one applicable Checkpoint Exam Question

Your final score for this grading category will then be calculated as the percentage of total possible Learning Checks you earn.

Both conditions listed above must be satisfied to earn your Learning Check for each individual learning outcome. You will not receive any credit for only completing one of these conditions. (Keep in mind that you are allowed 2 Homework Passes.)

3.1.1. Homework#

There will be one Homework Assignment assigned for each learning outcome. Each set will be due at 11:59pm ET on the day posted on WeBWorK.

You must earn a score of 95% or better to ultimately earn credit for each Homework Set.

You are allowed 2 Homework Passes. Each individual Homework Pass grants you a score of 100% on 1 Homework Set. These will automatically be applied at the end of the semester, in whichever configuration gives you the highest final average.

3.1.2. Checkpoint Exams#

Each day, a Checkpoint Exam will be given during our scheduled lecture time. These Checkpoint Exams will test, on average, 2-4 of the learning outcomes.

The questions asked on these exams will be very similar in format to the in-class examples as well as the WeBWorK Homework Sets. Each question is designed to assess your understanding of one particular course learning outcome. Your response for each question will be graded as one of three possibilities: (M) Meets Expectations, (P) Progressing, or (U) Unsatisfactory.

The Checkpoint Exam grading is described in more detail in the Grading section, but in general you will have multiple opportunities (attempts) to earn full credit on these questions.

3.2 Participation (15%)#

Attendance and participation at each lecture section will be graded through in-class participation problems. Your grade for this category will be calculated as the percentage of (M) Meets Expectations scores you earn on the combined total of participation problems.

Each problem will be graded as either (M) Meets Expectations or (P) Progressing. These participation problems are an early part of the learning process, so you will not necessarily be graded on full comprehension. Instead, you will usually be graded based on whether an honest attempt to answer the question(s) was made (using your notes from class and the preparation materials).

  • (M) Meets Expectations indicates an honest attempt was made on your part to solve the problem(s) using your notes from class and preparation material.

  • (P) Progressing means your work is insufficient based on what was presented in class and the preparation material up to that point.

Everyone gets 6 Participation Passes for the session. Each individual pass grants you a score of (M) Meets Expectations on 1 in-class participation problem.

  • If you are absent one day, then a participation pass will be applied for each problem you missed.

  • Most days, we will complete more than 1 participation problem.

3.3. Midterm Exams (40%)#

There are two midterm exams given during our scheduled lecture time on the dates listed in the Weekly Calendar section. These are class exams using a traditional grading scheme, with partial credit where applicable.

  • Your highest midterm exam score will be worth 25% of your final grade.

  • Your lowest midterm exam score will be worth 15% of your final grade.

3.3. Final Exam#

There is not a cumulative final exam for this course.

4. Course Grading#

4.1. Final Average#

Your final average will be found by averaging your scores using the following weights:

Assessment

Weight

Learning Checks

45%

Participation

15%

Highest Midterm Exam

25%

Lowest Midterm Exam

15%

4.2. Letter Grade#

Your final letter grade will be determined from your final average by applying the cutoffs below.

Note: Final Averages will only be rounded (up or down) to the nearest tenth.

Final Average (\(x\))

Letter Grade

\(93 \leq x \leq 100\)

A

\(90 \leq x < 93\)

A-

\(87 \leq x < 90\)

B+

\(83 \leq x < 87\)

B

\(80 \leq x < 83\)

B-

\(77 \leq x < 80\)

C+

\(73 \leq x < 77\)

C

\(70 \leq x < 73\)

C-

\(67 \leq x < 70\)

D+

\(60 \leq x < 67\)

D

\(0 \leq x < 60\)

F

An incomplete grade (I) will only be given out as per the university undergraduate Incomplete Policy.

4.3 Calculating Your Grade#

Calculate your Learning Check score.

  1. Count how many learning checks you earned.

  2. Divide this by the total number of possible learning checks.

  3. Multiply this by 100.

Calculate your Final Average

  1. Multiply your Learning Check score by 0.45

  2. Multiply your Participation score by 0.15

  3. Multiply your Highest Midterm Exam score by 0.25

  4. Multiply your Lowest Midterm Exam score by 0.15

  5. Add these four values together, this is your Final Average.

4.4. Exam Grading#

Midterm Exam questions will be graded using a traditional partial credit grading scheme.

Checkpoint Exam questions will not be graded using a traditional partial credit grading scheme. Instead, each question will be graded as one of three possibilities:

Grade

Name

Description

Additional Attempt?

M

Meets Expectations

Congratulations! You’ve successfully demonstrated your understanding of this learning outcome. This means you have shown sufficient work, used correct notation, and ultimately arrived at the correct answer. There may be a few minor errors in your work as long as they do not detract from your overall response.

No need. You do not need to try this learning outcome on any of the remaining checkpoint exams.

P

Progressing

Keep going! You are making progress on this learning outcome, but still need a little more work to show your understanding.

Yes. You will be able to attempt this learning outcome again for full credit.

U

Unsatisfactory

You have made only minimal progress on mastering this learning outcome, or had an unexcused absence from this exam.

No. You will not be able to attempt this learning outcome again for full credit.

Additional Attempts: Each Checkpoint Exam question can be attempted at least twice for full credit as long as you keep scoring (P) Progressing each time.

  • The first attempt is during the lecture Checkpoint Exam.

  • The second attempt is during the next Checkpoint Exam.

  • Additionally, any Midterm Exam question that tests the same learning outcome may also be used as an additional attempt (at the discretion of the instructor).

All together this means that you potentially have 3 opportunities to earn full credit on a majority of the Checkpoint Exam questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my final average be affected if I achieve (P) Progressing on the first attempt, but do achieve (M) on a later attempt?

  • No, there is no reduction in your final average in this case.

Do I need to complete all questions on a Checkpoint Exam?

  • Not necessarily. You only need to complete those questions on which you originally earned a score of P (Progressing). If you originally scored M (Meets Expectations), you do not need to complete that problem again.

5. Important Information#

5.1. Accessibility Resources#

If you have any disability which requires reasonable accommodations to enable you to participate in this course, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources in 60 Capen Hall, 716-645-2608 and also the instructor of this course during the first week of class. The office will provide you with information and review appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations.

5.2. Attendance and Communication Policy#

5.2.1. Attendance Policy#

  • Technological Attendance: We will be using our Course Website, UBmail (email), and UB Learns for all official course communications. It is required that you check these platforms each lecture day.

  • Pre-Lecture Attendance: Readings and some pre-recorded lesson videos will be given out before each class day. You are expected to complete this preparation material in its entirety before your scheduled class time. This is to ensure that you are ready to participate with all class time work that day.

  • Lecture Attendance: Attendance is mandatory at every scheduled lecture time as we will be completing graded assessments during each scheduled meeting.

5.2.3. Email and Communication Policy#

It is required that your university (buffalo.edu) email address be used for all official course email correspondence.

Any questions related to the course that are not of a personal nature should be asked on the Help Forum or during Class Time.

While we encourage everyone to ask questions about the course, email will have the slowest response time and should only be used for personal matters. Please allow 24 hours during the work week for a response from the instructor. Email responses will only be sent out M-F during normal business hours 9am-5pm ET. Do not expect a response outside of these times.

  • Consult the syllabus before sending an email about course policy or grading, usually the answer is already in the syllabus.

  • Emails requesting a make-up exam should clearly explain the reason for the request and provide proper documentation.

  • Emails requesting an individual homework extension will not be returned. See the course Late Policy as to why.

5.3. Grading Policies#

5.3.1. Curve Policy#

All grades are calculated as described in this syllabus. There is not a curve in this course. All assessments are designed to assess your individual understanding of the learning outcomes. Your grade is completely within your control and based solely on your performance.

5.3.2. Exception Policy#

Requests for individual exceptions to any policy or grading assessment described in this syllabus will not be granted. This is to ensure that all students are given equal opportunity to succeed in this class and are all graded by the same set of standards.

5.3.3. Late Policy#

All assignments (homework, preparation, participation, etc) are due by the posted date and time. Late submissions will not be accepted for any reason.

There is some flexibility already built into the course grading to allow for a couple of missed assignments.

There might be a slight difference between the server clock time and your local clock time - so it’s best to get everything done early.

5.4. Integrity Policies#

5.4.1. Academic Integrity#

Students must be familiar with and abide by the university’s policies and procedures on Academic Integrity. Any violation of this policy will be pursued to the fullest extent of university policy.

Warning The instructor takes Academic Integrity very seriously and will rigorously pursue all violations. Possible sanctions include:

  • Grade of F in the course.

  • Grade of F in the course with permanent notation of academic dishonesty.

  • Suspension from the university.

  • Expulsion from the university.

Examples of Academic Integrity Violations:

  • Aiding in academic dishonesty

  • Cheating (e.g. violating the calculator and resource policy on an exam)

  • Falsifying academic materials.

  • Misrepresenting documents.

  • Plagiarizing.

  • Purchasing academic assignments.

  • Selling academic assignments.

Exam Proctoring Students will be monitored and recorded during the entirety of all Course Exams and all footage of each student will be extensively reviewed by course staff. Any suspicious activity or violation of the Remote Exam Proctoring Policy will be flagged and any flagged student will receive a grade of U (or 0) for all questions on the applicable exam. Depending on the circumstances additional sanctions may be imposed.

5.5. Exam Policies#

5.5.1. Calculator and Resource Policy#

Calculators: Use of calculators, cell phones, and any other electronic devices is not allowed during the exams.

Resource: Consulting resources of any kind is not allowed during the exams (e.g. cheat sheets, note cards, textbook, other people, websites, etc.)

Academic Integrity Violation Any violation of this Calculator and Resource Policy is considered an Academic Integrity Violation and will be pursued to the fullest extent allowable by university policy.

5.5.2. Exam Make-up Policy#

Please take some time at the beginning of the semester to make sure that you do not have any conflicts with our class schedule. All non-emergency requests for a make-up exam must be submitted by the Add/Drop deadline.

Make-up exams will only be given in the event of an emergency situation (severe illness), religious holiday, or conflict with a university sport.

In addition to a compelling and serious reason, all make-up exam requests must meet the following requirements:

Supporting Documentation: All requests for a make-up exam must provide supporting documentation of the situation at the time of the request. If you do not provide such documentation, your make-up exam request will be denied.

Timeliness

  • For non-emergency reasons, all make-up exam requests must be submitted to the Instructor at the beginning of the semester before the end of the Add/Drop period. All requests submitted after this deadline will be denied.

  • For emergency reasons, all make-up exam requests must be submitted to the Instructor no later than 24 hours after the exam. All requests submitted after this deadline will be denied.

  • If a make-up exam request is approved, the student is expected to complete the make-up exam at the time scheduled by the instructor. This will usually be at the end of the semester after Final Exams.

5.5.3. Remote Exam Proctoring Policy#

All exams conducted and proctored remotely must meet the following specifications:

  • Your camera must be positioned 4 feet away from you.

  • Your camera must be set up to show: you (your face and both hands), your entire writing surface, your surrounding workspace, and your computer screen.

  • Video of your entire testing session must be recorded.

  • At the start of your exam, you must display all sides of your paper to the camera.

  • During the exam, you cannot type on your keyboard or touch your computer screen (navigating between pages of the exam is acceptable).

  • During the exam, both of your hands must be visible.

  • At the end of your exam, you must display each page of your work in front of your camera for 3 seconds per page.

  • You must submit your completed exam for grading within the specified time frame.

Academic Integrity Violation Any violation of this Exam Proctoring Policy is considered an Academic Integrity Violation and will be pursued to the fullest extent allowable by university policy. You will receive a grade of U (or 0) for all questions on that exam. Depending on the circumstances additional sanctions may be imposed.

5.5.4. Exam Regrade Policy#

Any request for an exam regrade must be made within 3 business days of the date the exam is returned to the class.

This is a complete regrade of the exam, with the possibility that questions originally marked correct might be changed to incorrect.

5.6. Critical Campus Resources#

5.6.1. Sexual Violence#

UB is committed to providing a safe learning environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking. If you have experienced gender-based violence (intimate partner violence, attempted or completed sexual assault, harassment, coercion, stalking, etc.), UB has resources to help. This includes academic accommodations, health and counseling services, housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and assistance with reporting the incident to police or other UB officials if you so choose. Please contact UB’s Title IX Coordinator at 716-645-2266 for more information. For confidential assistance, you may also contact a Crisis Services Campus Advocate at 716-796-4399.

5.6.2. Counseling Services (Mental Health)#

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. These might include strained relationships, anxiety, high levels of stress, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, health concerns, or unwanted sexual experiences. Counseling, Health Services, and Health Promotion are here to help with these or other issues you may experience. You can learn more about these programs and services by contacting:

  • Counseling Services

    • 120 Richmond Quad (North Campus), 716-645-2720

    • 202 Michael Hall (South Campus), 716-829-5800

  • Health Services

    • Michael Hall (South Campus), 716-829-3316

  • Health Promotion

    • 114 Student Union (North Campus), 716-645-2837